Sales tax referendum for schools on ballot for Pike

In three weeks, Pike County voters will be asked if they would approve of a new 1-percent sales tax to provide a new source of income for its four local school districts.

It’s a referendum that has been attempted twice in the county, and a local group of community volunteers who favor passing it are working to address public concerns.

If approved on the March 18 ballot, sales tax would increase by $1 for every $100 on the sales of certain items.Items that are not subject to this increase would be unprepared grocery goods, medication and large-ticket items like vehicles, farm equipment and mobile homes.

If passed, it is projected to generate additional funding of about $450,00 for Pikeland School District, $225,000 for Western School District, $145,000 for Griggsville/Perry School District and $75,000 for Pleasant Hill School District.

Andi Henry, one of the community group organizers, said she felt the county was in a better position to pass the referendum.

“In 2008 and 2009 and it failed both times, and I think there’s a couple reasons,” she said. “One, first and foremost, it didn’t pass because of education. What they hear first is ‘tax,’ and they back away.”

She said in talking to people, many are still unaware that the tax is not applied to necessities like grocery items and prescription medication.

“Plus we were in a down spiral with the economy. In the 2008 or 2009, people lost half their 401(k)s, were scared didn’t know what was going to happen, so why would you want to create a tax? Now I think we’re in a much better position. We have the tools to get out there.”

She said the group has been more actively reaching out to the community though a website and on social media. It’s also been organizing members throughout the county to get the word out.

The group is holding a countywide town hall meeting at 7 p.m. March 4 at the First Christian Church Crossroads Center in Pittsfield to discuss the referendum and hear any questions or concerns.

Apart from the lack of enthusiasm for wanting to pay more tax, some concerns raised have been about what the tax would apply to and disagreements on what the money should be used for.

As the revenue generated can only be used for facility projects, school districts have outlined some of improvements that they would like to see done.

Pikeland CUSD board has also proposed a reduction in its portion of property tax since it will have new funding.

Paula Hawley, Pikeland CUSD superintendent, said after four years the district could reduce its property tax bond and interest rate by up to 50 cents, which would roughly translate to a reduction of $100 in property tax for a property valued about $100,000.

“We want to use the money to pay off the outstanding bond we have now,” Hawley said. “And it helps us not have to go out int he future and bond for projects. It gives us a pool of money and not have to go back to the property tax payers for additional bonding.”

This reduction would only be from the school district’s portion of property tax, and as there are several other public bodies that levy tax and assessed values of property change year to year, it’s unclear how any one individual could be affected.

Western CUSD has also considered to reduce property taxes and pay off life-safety bonds with new revenue, and would also be in a better position to have funds available to collect grants that require a local match.

Michael Ten Eyck, a fellow group organizer, said another concern he’s heard is that the referendum lacks a sunset date. He argued though, that it could be easily repealed if the public are not satisfied, and he expected people would be checking to ensure they were satisfied.

“The county board, at a future time, could vote to bring it back to the voting public,” he said. “There’s an amazing amount of local control. One reason I support it is it would raise interest and involvement in the schools system. When you have financial stake in a matter you get more involved. When you have that involvement, you’ll see a benefit.”

“All in all. I think its a no brainer,” he added. “It gives a tremendous amount of local control in our area. We have a lot of disconnect with our state in how education funding has gone … this tardiness in paying things in a good manner. This opens up a lot of opportunities.”

Cody Bozarth can be reached at 217-245-6121 ext. 233 or on Twitter @JCnews_Cody.